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Way, way off
on his final road
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From the introduction of “ Way, Way Off the Road: The Memoirs of The Invisible Man” by Hugh Fox (Ibbetson Street Press)

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Several years ago the Ibbetson Street Press published a Hugh Fox poetry collection “Angel of Death.” I had never actually met Fox in the flesh, but I was aware of his substantial contributions to the small press over the past 40 years. Fox was a founding member of COSMEP, (a seminal small press organization), a founding member of the PUSHCART PRIZE, and edited the groundbreaking anthology “ The Living Underground,” to name just a few achievements.

By Jim Clark

Somerville police responded to a report of a trespasser last Friday at Clarendon Hill Towers on Broadway.

After a prolonged search the alleged unwanted man was finally spotted sitting in the stairway on the eighth floor, smoking a cigarette, police said.

Sarah Davila and Anne Herzberg work with English Language Learners at the Welcome Center of SHS. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

Welcome Center the ‘envy’ of systems

By Andrew Firestone

Somerville is a city celebrated for its diversity, a fact that has been translated at times to ill effect among usual statistics in education ranking systems. A total of 52 percent of all students in the public schools come from families where English is not the first language spoken at home, while a total of 18 percent are classified as having limited proficiency.

By Harry Kane

On Saturday the Brasileiro Festival at Union Square brought Brazilians from around the area to meet the local community and highlight their music and food. “It’s part of our arts union series,” said Rachel Strutt, Program Manager at the Somerville Arts Council. “This series is about promoting cultural and economical development at Union Square. So, that means we want to celebrate culture and contribute to stimulate the local economy.”

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to a Broadway residence around midnight last Saturday on a complaint of naked individuals in the rear of the house.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly made their way to the rear of the building, whereupon two individuals, a man and a woman, were allegedly found to be in a state of undress and engaged in sexual activity, police said.

– Photos and video by Harry Kane

The festivities along Shore Drive began around noon on Sunday. “This is the fourth out of five events in the Somerstreet series,” said Carlene Cambell, the Director of Community Relations. “This is our second year in existence. The whole theory behind this is shutting down separate parts of the city and exploring it.”

Federal Realty Investment Trust, with the City of Somerville, is celebrating the future of Assembly Row with the fourth annual Riverfest event on Saturday, September 17th, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The event will feature music, performers, family activities, and food. Riverfest will conclude with a fireworks display along the Mystic River. All Riverfest food sales will benefit Not Just Lego, a new after school program launching at Somerville’s Arthur D. Healey School.

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Happy Birthday to some ‘Villens here – A big Happy Birthday to School Committeewomen from Ward 1 Maureen Cuff-Bastardi this week. She is very popular down in East Somerville. We wish her well and hope she is having a great day. Also, Matt Ferreira. Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane turns 50 this week. Wow! We thought he was older – LOL. Finally, this week HB to Vivian Quinlin and Gary DeCicco, and to everyone who is celebrating this week. We wish you a great day for yourself.

A culmination of good financing plans and sound economic development strategy, Conway Park will have a new ice rink completed in 2012. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Conway park saw  the inklings of a new era this last Friday, September 9, when Mayor Joseph Curtatone, flanked by aldermen and representative Tim Toomey broke ground on the new rink adjacent to the Veteran’s Memorial Rink.

The Yawkey League Champion Alibrandis fought hard their well earned victory over the Maldem Bulldogs. - Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

The Somerville Alibrandis won the Yawkey League Championship in the playoff series against the Malden Bulldogs. This is the twelfth year in fifteen years that the Alibrandis have won the championship and the second year in a row. Ted Dzuiba and Chris Foundas received co MVP’s. Dzuiba finished the post season with a .529 AVG. Chris Foundas had a 1.00 ERA in his 4 winning games of the post season.

By Jim Clark

Undercover officers from the Somerville Police Department Narcotics/Vice Unit became suspicious of certain activities in the Morrison Avenue and Willow Avenue area last week and took steps to investigate further.

According to reports, two males were observed hanging out in the area, coming and going from a local variety store, sometimes pacing up and down the street, and frequently making use of a cell phone. On occasion, one man would duck into a nearby driveway as the other man appeared to be standing as look out, police said.